Chances for an EP

[MichaelB1]

Hey guys,

I’d really appreciate your views on my chances of getting an EP:
-Just graduated from a top university in Europe with a master’s in finance
-No work experience other than several internships (roughly 1 year in total)
-Been recently granted an EPEC
-Currently I’m in the application process with a large European bank for an entry-level position in Private Banking (just had the last out of 5 interviews with the Singapore office directly and would be hired by them).

After viewing previous posts I assume the main problem would be that with no substantial work experience on my side a possible reason for rejection of the EP would be that there should also be a qualified local for the position. Or would my (hopefully) coming out on top after 5 rounds of interviews be a good enough reason to get the EP? I mean, would a large bank that has probably hired hundreds of foreigners before me even consider me if my chances of getting an EP are rather low?
Also, can anyone tell me from experience if the 1 week processing time for an online EP application mentioned on the MOM homepage is a realistic time frame?
Thanks in advance!

[DrE4MeR]

Hi Michael81,

As far as I'm concerned, and bearing in mind that I have more or less the same profile as yours (no EPEC though), the EP application process went without a hitch.

Before my moving here, I have asked HR if they had any issue transferring staff to Singapore and they plainly said "no". Moreover, it surely helps if your company has previously dealt with the Singapore Ministry of Manpower.

As regards to the MOM response time, my company received a successful reply two days after filing the EP Online application - provided all documents are received.

Hope you'll succeed in getting the job!

Cheers
David

[MichaelB1]

Hi David,

Thanks for you post. That sounds pretty encouraging, especially since I read so many posts of people on this forum that had quite negative experiences with similar issues.

Anybody else wanna share his/her opinion or personal experience? Even if it’s not all that positive.

[smayrhofer]

I also got a job offer here. The company applies for EP on your behalf as your sponsor. I have never heard of an application being turned down. That shouldn't be a concern for you.

I'm also entry-level, working at a bank.

[calvink]

retrenchment already setting in and its getting worse. Probably its not that easy to get a work permit/EP approved now..

[irvine]

With a Masters, you should be fine. EP salary floor is $2500 if I remembered it correctly, so do get a job that's at least $3000 and above.

As for good or bad experiences from others... go with your gut feelings, and of course open your eyes and ears wide.

[eshan]

Well the queue for PR Application is on the increase and I was surprised to learn that people wait from 11pm to just file the application the next day.

Actually there is no point doing this, as people are mounting not pressure but unnecessary work on the department.

We can expect a lot of flush outs now.. as many jobless will try to hide using their status to stay on.

In my view the EP side will not be affected, as the govt. would want companies and qualified people who can provide opportunities to see through the tough period. They will sure not add to the constraint.


But tough times...where all Logical reasonings will fail.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Actually, the EP side is rapidly drying up as the government is tightening up the requirement because it wants as many of it's local employed as possible and rightly so. Before, it was often a case of nevermind, there's plenty of jobs so maybe the competition will make the locals work harder. Now it's a matter of keeping the local employed so they are following the guidelines a little more stringently now in order to give every local a even break. I'm sure you own governments are doing much the same thing as well. Can you blame them? Degree holders, without experience, aren't really worth the powder it would take to blow the up. Especially Masters holders who did none-stop degrees without a working stint of a couple of years before starting their masters. That type of Masters is no better than a fresher with a BA or BSc and no experience. Good luck....

One other thing to think about as well. If you spend/invest a lot to get over here, with no experience, and manage to secure employment now, guess who's gonna get the chop secondly after all the contract worker take the first hit? That's right, "Last in, First out" So if you do, better make sure you don't go head over heels in debt and lock up too much in deposits on high priced housing without having a dip clause. Cause you may find youself in deep, deep brown stuff that has a bit of pong to it real quick as the recession deepens.

Just a word to the wise......